BIRTHDEATH Town Hall Meeting September 14, 15, & Faith & Celebration Lutheran Churches Town Hall Meeting September 14, 15, & Faith & Celebration Lutheran Churches

Town Hall Ground Rules 1.Stay on topic- Off topic questions will be “parked” and answered at a different time. 2.Speak in a way that reflects Christ. 3.Ask 1 question at a time.

BIRTHDEATH Congregational Life Cycle

The Congregational Life Cycle GROWTH DECLINE STABILITY BIRTH DEATH

Four Organizing Principles VISION RELATIONSHIPS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

First Principle: VISION Vision is the current understanding of God’s direction for a congregation that is cast by leadership Vision is the fuel or energy that will drive the congregation and owned by everyone in the parish. Vision reflects the core values of the congregation into the future with hope and a sense of potency.

Second Principle: RELATIONSHIP How the parish attracts new people into the Christian faith journey, helps current parishioners deepen and mature in their faith journey and nurtures relationships within the church community. Evidence of effective relationship experience is an ever-deepening spirituality, widespread ownership of parish activities and developing new leadership.

Third Principle: PROGRAM Programs, ministries and activities embody the vision of the church and reflect the gifts and vocations of parishioners. Effective programs meet real, identified spiritual, social and emotional needs of people in the neighborhood as well as the church community. Evidence of effective programs is that the church is known for the excellence of its programs, ministries and activities.

Fourth Principle: Management Management are those systems that facilitate orderly decision-making, the allocation of resources, integrates new developments and establishes boundaries. Effective management is efficient, well defined and supports the vision, relationships and programs of the church. Effective management is accountable to the congregation as well as the larger church.

Role of Organizing Principle and Life Cycle BIRTH Vrpm DEATH m Childhood VrPm Adolescence VRPm Adulthood VRPM Maturity vRPM Empty Nest vRpM Retirement vrPM Old Age vrpM Infancy VRpm

Where are we on the curve? BIRTH Vrpm DEATH m Childhood VrPm Adolescence VRPm Adulthood VRPM Maturity vRPM Empty Nest vRpM Retirement vrPM Old Age vrpM Infancy VRpm

Congregational life cycle studies suggest: –Faith is “mature” or in the “early aging” phase of development. –Celebration is in “adolescence.” Life Cycle

Faith is large and growing, but the percentage of members in worship is declining. Many members do not regularly participate. Celebration’s membership and attendance peaked about 2 years ago. Many members are very active. Life Cycle

If we act now: –Averts the “empty nest” phase, rejuvenates Faith, helps to “jump the curve” and avoids decline. –Helps Celebration rethink, refocus, and retool for “adulthood.” Life Cycle

Faith’s maturity and structure benefit Celebration by improving management, accountability, and systems. Celebration’s youthful energy and enthusiasm benefit Faith by providing renewed vision and sense of purpose. Life Cycle- Potential Benefits

BIRTHDEATH Questions???

Role of Organizing Principle and Life Cycle BIRTH DEATH Childhood Adolescence Adulthood Maturity Empty Nest Retirement Old Age Infancy

BIRTHDEATH Next Week? Topic: Multi-Site Ministry Thank you for your prayerful participation! Next Week? Topic: Multi-Site Ministry Thank you for your prayerful participation!